Job Summary:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position. Under direction of the Clinical Nurse Leader or designate, the Direct Care Nurse provides nursing care delivery and care planning for forensic psychiatric patients directly or in conjunction with an interdisciplinary and Unit based treatment team or supervisor. The Direct Care Nurse interprets and applies methods, techniques and procedures to address the needs of individual patients. Liaises with other members of the health care team, maintains accurate records, provides support and guidance to patients and their families and other health care professionals, and provides input into policies and procedures.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1. Provides direct care in accordance with the care plan by methods such as performing protocols and interventions, implementing behaviour management strategies and meeting care recipient needs; applying approved techniques, procedures and treatments; administering prescribed medication. Recognizes and identifies signs and symptoms, and detects changes in patients’ conditions; reports and records as indicated.

2. Collects and documents patient health care information. Maintains complete and accurate records of nursing observation, interventions and evaluation of nursing care. Maintains complete and accurate records of telephone communications as well.

3. Plans direct care and contributes to the physical and psychological well-being of the patients by methods such as assessing clinical requirements, status and condition of care recipients; developing care plans based on identified needs, participating in various interdisciplinary assessment and screening processes, and including patient and family, when appropriate, in planning nursing care; and implementing care plans, evaluating outcomes and revising plans to address gaps and to respond to the needs of care recipients.

4. Consults with nurses, members of the interdisciplinary team and other health care professionals and accesses any other available resources in relation to overall care planning issues. Meets with other members of the health care team to discuss and review the care plan. Maintains liaison between nurses, physicians, family, and community resources for individual patients to ensure continuity of care.

5. Supports patients with psychosocial, life, and personal care skills by methods such as teaching and providing guidance to patients, supervising and participating in routine care of the patients including personal hygiene and maintaining normal body functions; utilizing accepted modalities such as Social Learning Theory, role-playing, and group therapy; and identifying and pursuing advocacy issues on behalf of patients.

6. Maintains a safe environment for patients, families and staff, which may extend to patients attending off unit activities or programs by following established emergency procedures and safety practices and procedures, assuming responsibility for unit security, and directing tasks specific to the maintenance of security in order to provide for appropriate care delivery.

7. Identifies own learning needs, reviews these with the Clinical Nurse Leader or Clinical Services Manager, and engages in a variety of activities to meet these needs.

8. Participates in team meetings, continuing education, conferences, and/or corporate initiatives by methods such as providing input from a nursing perspective, presenting relevant material, acting as an advocate for the goals and objectives of the program, and promoting optimal support for patients.

9. Participates in the orientation and continuing education of staff and students by preceptoring and role-modelling.

10. Acts as a clinical resource/support person to patients and families and nursing and health care professionals by explaining the theoretical rationale for nursing decisions.

11. Provides input to the Clinical Nurse Leader, Clinical Services Manager or designate regarding policies, procedures and operational requirements by observing service needs and providing spoken or written suggestions which address patient and family needs and promote effective use of resources.

12. Promotes the implementation and evaluation of nursing research and quality improvement activities by keeping current through attendance at educational and in-service opportunities.

13. Maintains and updates relevant knowledge and understanding of Forensic Psychiatric Nursing practice, forensic psychiatric community mental health, nursing standards of professional practice and Code of Ethics, and the applicable sections of the Freedom of Information and Protection and Privacy Act, FPSC health information records as per FPSC policy.

14. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience

• Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals (BCCNP).
• Graduation from a recognized diploma program in Psychiatric Nursing or Nursing.
• One (1) year of recent experience working in a forensic or acute psychiatric hospital setting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• CPR Training – Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) – Level 1.

Skills and Abilities

• Current and updated knowledge of changes and developments in the practice of psychiatric nursing and of applicable Federal and Provincial legislation (i.e. the Criminal Code of Canada, Forensic Psychiatry Act, the Mental Health Act, the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Young Offenders Act, Public Trustee Act).
• Broad knowledge of the diagnosis and treatment of behavioural, social emotional and mental health/psychiatric issues in adults.
• Broad knowledge of adult education principles, methods and tools.
• Demonstrated organizational, facilitation, decision making and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare and maintain records, charts, and reports.
• Demonstrated ability to participate as a member of multidisciplinary care team, work independently, and function as a nursing resource.
• Demonstrated ability to adjust to unexpected events, problem-solve, and deal with conflict.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.